Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (TCF, 1977), "The Glimmer of New Hope" Stormtrooper Concept Display Costume Handcra... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (TCF, 1977), "The Glimmer of New Hope" Stormtrooper Concept Display Costume Handcrafted by Andrew Ainsworth. Original Stormtrooper maker Andrew Ainsworth's handcrafted display costume is inspired by Ralph McQuarrie's initial designs for a silver Imperial soldier with a lightsaber and shield. Among only two such costumes produced, its counterpart was showcased at the ART WARS exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London in 2013. Crafted using the original production molds from 1976, which Ainsworth himself designed, this stunning silver ensemble is made from chrome/titanium acrylic-capped ABS, incorporating Opal-Chrome ABS moldings to capture the intricate detail of the armor as seen on screen in the original films. Ainsworth and his team combined modern materials with classic fabrication techniques to create a visually striking set of armor that not only looks impressive on display but is also fully wearable for events. The suit features an integrated strap system and comes complete with a black bodysuit, gloves, and hand armor. Dubbed the "Glimmer of New Hope" costume, it includes detailed armor components such as a full torso assembly, shoulder bells, arm and leg armor pieces, a belt assembly with various accessories, a thermal detonator canister, and silver-painted Chelsea boots, all connected with metal hardware and elastic straps. Additionally, it comes with a purple lightsaber and shield, directly inspired by McQuarrie's visionary designs. The interior of the chest plate is signed by Ainsworth in silver paint marker, and the costume comes with extensive paperwork from the costume's creator. Ainsworth noted that Ralph McQuarrie had originally envisioned Stormtroopers as metallic warriors equipped with lightsabers and shields. However, this design proved impractical to manufacture, and instead, George Lucas opted for the iconic white armor that we all know today. The costume remains in excellent condition, showing only signs of display use, although the purple lightsaber features broken glass in the tube.

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